Four axle DAF offers flexibility to plant hire firm 08 December 2010

Fife firm Robert Purvis Plant Hire is reporting great flexibility from a DAF truck that can be changed from a beavertail to a full flatbed with a high capacity crane.

Craig Purvis, a director of the family-owned firm, says that the four-axle configuration of its FAD CF85 also adds further flexibility, because it provides a stable platform for transporting plant and equipment, while its twin steering axles mean excellent manoeuvrability on restricted access sites.

And he adds that he's getting good off-road capability from the truck's heavy-duty, dual-drive DAF HR1355T bogie with hub reduction axles that incorporate cross and inter-axle diff locks.

Much of the DAF's work involves moving portable site buildings for Purvis Group's Thistle Accommodation subsidiary – hence the value of the four foot long beavertail section, which can be hydraulically raised to create a continuous flat deck of 26 feet. In this position the rear cheese wedge ramps are folded down flat to allow a rear overhang.

Falkirk firm Outreach built the body and fitted the Palfinger crane, which is the latest PK 5000S-EHD 50 metre/tonne model, with a maximum outreach of 14.1 metres, at which it can lift 2.9 tonnes.

Purvis states that this enables precise placing of buildings, even where there are intervening obstacles, and also allows double-stacking – with remote control by a wireless infra-red system.

Then, when for plant carrying with the beavertail down, the angle of approach up the ramps can be further reduced by deflating the air bags. And the crane can also be used to load/unload non-mobile plant, such as generators or disabled equipment.

And with 460bhp, this DAF has an ample 14.4bhp/tonne power to weight ratio, to ensure good journey times without compromising fuel efficiency. At this rating, the MX engine delivers 2300Nm of torque at between 1000 and 1410rpm.

Purvis says he's very pleased with his new DAF and with the support he received from dealer Lothian DAF of Edinburgh. "In the current economic climate it's particularly important to be as flexible as possible and to optimise the use of every asset. Working with Lothian DAF and Outreach we've been able to develop a truck that meets a variety of needs and which I am sure will serve us well for many years," he comments.

Author
Brian Tinham

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